Shota Imanaga improves to 4-0 as Cubs top Red Sox

Michael Busch went 3-for-4 while rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong recorded his second straight multi-RBI game to help the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 7-1 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

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WADA asks 'independent prosecutor' to examine its handling of China case

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Thursday it has asked an independent prosecutor to review its handling of the case where 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a prescription heart drug.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto leads Dodgers to sweep with six scoreless innings

Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw six shutout innings and Teoscar Hernandez homered as the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals with a 2-1 win on Thursday.

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Japanese race walkers slow to embrace thick-soled shoes

Bouncy thick-soled shoes, which have helped long-distance runners run faster and achieve record-breaking performances, are making their way into the world of race walking.

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Rory McIlroy open to returning to PGA Tour board

Rory McIlroy said Wednesday he is ready to return to the PGA Tour's policy board if wanted, believing he can help reunite the golfing world following the acrimonious civil war with LIV Golf.

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Marinos edge Ulsan in thriller to reach first Asian Champions League final

Harry Kewell said his Yokohama F. Marinos players can "handle any pressure" after beating Ulsan Hyundai 5-4 on penalties on Wednesday to set up an Asian Champions League final against Al Ain.

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USADA calls for WADA overhaul and probe into China swimmers

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has called for an overhaul of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and an independent investigation into Chinese swimmers testing positive before the Tokyo Olympics.

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From Rice to Harrison, bloodlines run deep in 2024 NFL Draft

As payback for an elbow to the Adam's apple in a game that season, John Lynch nearly fought with Terrell Owens poolside in Hawaii before a Pro Bowl more than two decades ago.

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Independent regulator a big risk, warns Premier League chief

The introduction of an independent regulator for English soccer represents a big risk that could have unintended consequences, according to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.

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WADA rejects cover-up charge over investigation into Chinese swimmers

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Monday rejected accusations of a cover-up during its investigation into Chinese swimmers testing positive for a prescription heart drug and said it would take "whatever action necessary" in response to the allegations.

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Australian swim coach rejects claims of systemic Chinese doping

An Australian coach who works with the Chinese Swimming Association has rejected claims of systemic state-run doping, saying it is "so far from anything I have seen."

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Shohei Ohtani breaks Hideki Matsui's mark for MLB homers by Japanese-born player

Shohei Ohtani surpassed Hideki Matsui to take sole possession of the record for most MLB home runs by a Japan-born player with a two-run homer to right field during the third inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers' win over the New York Mets on Sunday.

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Beijing half-marathon runners stripped of medals after controversial finish

The top three finishers in the April 14 Beijing half-marathon have been stripped of their medals, organizers said, following an investigation into the finish that saw China's He Jie controversially win.

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Arsenal grinds out Wolves win to go top of Premier League

Arsenal shrugged off the disappointment of their Champions League exit to move back to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.

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Masataka Yoshida's bat helps Red Sox overcome Pirates

Masataka Yoshida collected three hits, including a two-run home run, to propel the visiting Boston Red Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

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Top Chinese swimmers tested positive for banned drug, then won Olympic gold

Twenty-three top Chinese swimmers tested positive for the same powerful banned substance seven months before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but were allowed to escape public scrutiny and continue to compete after top Chinese officials secretly cleared them of doping and the global authority charged with policing drugs in sports chose not to intervene.

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'Mr. Incredible' and Japan’s improbable bid to compete with the NBA

In a Tokyo gym packed with basketball fans, the home team Sunrockers are down by 12 points at halftime. Victory prospects don’t look good: The visiting side’s point guard is too quick, and its big men are dominating the boards. But in the second half, there’s the unlikeliest of comebacks.

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Baseball Hall of Fame to highlight history of Japan-U.S. ties in new exhibit

Masanori Murakami was a 19-year-old pitcher for the Nankai Hawks when the club sent him to the San Francisco Giants’ Single-A team as part of an exchange program in 1964. The Giants liked what they saw and extended the left-hander’s stay. San Francisco called him up to the top team late in the season and Murakami, then 20, became Japan’s first MLB player on Sept. 1, 1964.

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Local hero Zhou Guanyu expects to feel 'mix of emotions' at Chinese GP

China's Zhou Guanyu said Thursday that he will experience a "mix of emotions" when he finally races competes in his first grand prix on his home track at the weekend.

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Tigst Assefa ready to chase women's record at London Marathon

Tigst Assefa, who holds the women's marathon world record, is aiming to break the women's-only course mark at the London Marathon when she makes her debut in the race on Sunday.

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Coyotes moving to Utah after NHL approves sale and relocation of franchise

The National Hockey League's Board of Governors has approved the sale and relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah starting with the 2024-25 season, the league said Thursday.

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French Open the moment to 'give everything': Nadal after Barcelona defeat

Rafael Nadal said the upcoming French Open will be the moment to "give everything and die" on the court after his comeback from injury in Barcelona was curtailed by Alex de Minaur on Wednesday.

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Jazz owner Ryan Smith appears to confirm Coyotes' move to Utah

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith all but confirmed the worst-kept secret in hockey on Wednesday: He is set to purchase the Arizona Coyotes and move them to Salt Lake City.

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Real Madrid exact revenge on Man City to reach Champions League semis

Real Madrid exacted revenge on Manchester City to reach the Champions League semifinals 4-3 on penalties after withstanding a barrage at the Etihad on Wednesday.

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LeBron, Curry, Durant head U.S. Olympic 'Dream Team'

LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant will spearhead a star-studded United States Olympic basketball squad chasing a fifth straight gold medal at this summer's Paris Games, officials announced Wednesday.

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Did three African runners let a Chinese runner win a race in Beijing?

After a grueling hour, there was little to separate the four runners as the finish line approached. But then, one extended his hand toward another and gestured, as if waving him forward. Seconds later, another runner did the same.

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Caitlin Clark helps WNBA obliterate previous draft viewership mark

The Caitlin Clark experience delivered another television milestone as ESPN's coverage of the WNBA draft on Monday night averaged a record 2.45 million viewers.

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James and Curry among U.S. NBA stars set for Paris Olympics: reports

LeBron James and Stephen Curry are among the NBA stars set for the Paris Olympics, with U.S. selectors settled on a 12-man roster rounded out on Tuesday with Kawhi Leonard, ESPN reported.

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Indiana Fever select Clark with first pick of WNBA Draft

Iowa sharpshooter Caitlin Clark ascended to the professional ranks on Monday, going first overall to the Indiana Fever in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft after a record-breaking collegiate career.

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Dominant Scottie Scheffler finishes strong to claim second Masters title

Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler dominated a back-nine shootout to capture his second Masters title with a four-stroke victory at Augusta National on Sunday.

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Ohtani’s dizzying three weeks end in exoneration by authorities

In the clubhouse after the Los Angeles Dodgers won their season opener in Seoul, South Korea, last month, Shohei Ohtani’s longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, made a stunning admission to the team: He was a gambling addict, and Ohtani had paid his debts to a bookmaker.

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Osaka wants to play at Paris Olympics 'if they let me'

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka said Saturday that she "would love to play" at this year's Paris Olympics if she is granted a spot by tennis chiefs.

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Osaka not needed as Japan reaches BJK Cup finals for first time

Naomi Osaka didn't need to play after teammate Nao Hibino sent Japan to its first Billie Jean King Cup finals Saturday with an unassailable 3-0 qualifying lead over Kazakhstan.

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Ohtani ties Hideki Matsui as Dodgers lose to Padres

Jackson Merrill singled home the go-ahead run in the 11th inning as the San Diego Padres edged the host Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 on Friday, winning a slugfest that featured a history-making moment for the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani.

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Ohtani's ex-interpreter released on $25,000 bond after court appearance

The former interpreter for Japanese baseball great Shohei Ohtani was ordered released on $25,000 bond after his first court appearance to face a bank fraud charge accusing him of stealing $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star to cover illegal gambling expenses.

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Tiger Woods must pass grueling test to make cut at Masters

Tiger Woods had played just 24 holes this year coming into the opening round of the Masters.

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How Ippei Mizuhara allegedly wired millions from Shohei Ohtani’s account

Sometimes, truth is even stranger than fiction.

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Prosecutors say Ohtani’s interpreter stole $16 million from star

U.S. federal prosecutors said Thursday that Shohei Ohtani had been the victim of a "fraud on a massive scale,” releasing a detailed complaint that claimed Ippei Mizuhara, the baseball star’s former interpreter, exploited his access and the fact that Ohtani did not speak English to steal $16 million from him to feed his gambling addiction.

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World Athletics to become first federation to award prize money at Olympics

World Athletics will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympics, beginning at this year's Games in Paris, the organization announced Wednesday.

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Sumo legend Akebono, the first foreign-born yokozuna, dies at 54

Former sumo wrestler Akebono, the first foreign-born yokozuna, has died from heart failure, local media reports said. He was 54.

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Alyssa Naeher the hero as U.S. downs Canada to win SheBelieves

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was the hero once more as the United States defeated Canada on penalties to win a fifth straight SheBelieves Cup crown on Tuesday.

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Rugby's Club World Cup set to start in 2028

Negotiations between stakeholders have cleared a path for a 16-team Club World Cup to bring the best rugby sides from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres together starting in 2028, multiple media reports said on Tuesday.

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Djokovic 'feeling great' in Monte Carlo as Alcaraz withdraws injured

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said his "feeling was great" as he flew past Roman Safiullin in straight sets at the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday, after third seed Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the event due to injury.

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'Caitlin Clark Effect' set to transform WNBA

After a dazzling college career that smashed records on and off the basketball court, Caitlin Clark's legacy as a trailblazing icon for women's sport is already secure.

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Matsuyama 'preparing hard' for another Masters crown

Hideki Matsuyama, who snapped a two-year win drought in February, is pushing himself to peak this week at Augusta National, where he already owns a historic Masters title.

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Leclerc delighted with Ferrari strategy in Japan

Charles Leclerc said he was pleased with Ferrari's execution of its one-stop strategy after finishing fourth at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday but conceded he had left himself with too much to do after struggling in qualifying.

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New Zealand send Paris Olympics warning with Hong Kong sevens win

New Zealand will now be a target at this summer's Paris Olympics, the team said, after beating France 10-7 to retain its Hong Kong sevens crown on Sunday.

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MLB commissioner says Ohtani and interpreter gambling probe to wrap up in 'short' time

Major League Baseball's top official has said that he expects the gambling probe into Shohei Ohtani and his former longtime interpreter to wrap up in a "relatively short" period of time, in the latest update on the probe.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers end Cubs' five-game winning streak

Yoshinobu Yamamoto racked up eight strikeouts and scattered three hits over five innings, and Max Muncy delivered a two-run single to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers past the host Chicago Cubs 4-1 on Saturday.

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Horan penalty gives USA comeback win over Japan

Lindsey Horan converted a second-half penalty to give the United States a 2-1 win over Japan on Saturday in the SheBelieves Cup.

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Tsunoda qualifies 10th as he eyes points at Japanese Grand Prix

RB’s Yuki Tsunoda put on a show for his fans on Saturday, qualifying 10th for the Japanese Grand Prix and giving himself a chance to earn points for the first time at his home race on Sunday.

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Ohtani homers in second straight came, but Dodgers fall to Cubs

Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch each homered while Seiya Suzuki supplied three RBIs as the Chicago Cubs outlasted the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers 9-7 on Friday.

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Japan favorite Tsunoda looks to shift career into higher gear at Suzuka

It may have been an early sign of the extra pressure that’s on him this season.

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Hong Kong holds Rugby Sevens as international visitors return

Hong Kong kicks off the Rugby Sevens tournament on Friday, one of the city's most popular sporting events, with international visitors returning after three years of COVID-19 restrictions and as authorities try to boost the financial hub's allure.

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Six teams apply to join proposed Canadian women's soccer league

Six clubs have submitted applications to join a planned Canadian professional women's soccer league which has now achieved the number of commitments required for launch in 2025, organizers said on Thursday.

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Japan to host MLB season opener next year, baseball commissioner says

The opening games of next year's U.S. Major League Baseball season will be held in Japan on March 19 and 20, the Japanese baseball commissioner has said.

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Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel hints at return to Formula One

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel told Sky Sports that he is mulling a return to Formula One in 2025.

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Cubs and Seiya Suzuki blow out Rockies

Seiya Suzuki began the Cubs' offensive onslaught in the bottom of the first inning, while Garrett Cooper went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs en route to a 12-2 win for Chicago over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.

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Olympians call for Brisbane 2032 stadium rethink

A group of local Olympians, including London 2012 champion hurdler Sally Pearson, have called on the Queensland government to reverse a decision to stage the athletics competition at the 2032 Brisbane Games in a 49-year-old suburban stadium.

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Japanese swimming veteran ready to make waves at Paris Olympics

Daiya Seto has been called many things over his storied career.

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Cubs' Shota Imanaga dominates Rockies in his MLB debut

Shota Imanaga struck out nine and didn't walk a batter in his six-inning major league debut and the host Chicago Cubs shut out the Colorado Rockies 5-0 on Monday.

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Singapore's only Olympic champion Schooling retires

Joseph Schooling, who famously beat his idol Michael Phelps in Rio to become Singapore's first and only Olympic champion, said Tuesday he was retiring from competitive swimming.

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Sinner relishing the moment after magnificent Miami Open performance

Jannik Sinner said he is enjoying every moment of his sensational start to the 2024 season after winning the Miami Open on Sunday for his third title of the year.

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Ohtani’s arrival brings hope and nostalgia home to Little Tokyo

Shohei Ohtani’s powerful arms and boyish face, looking up from under a Dodger blue helmet, loom 15 stories over Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo neighborhood from the side of the Miyako Hotel.

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Savea calls for change in All Blacks' eligibility regulations

All Blacks forward Ardie Savea has called on New Zealand's rugby authorities to consider updating the country's eligibility rules or risk being left behind as the sport continues to evolve.

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Nakajima dominates Indian Open for first DP World Tour win

Japan's Keita Nakajima cruised to a wire-to-wire victory at the Indian Open on Sunday to lift his maiden DP World Tour title by four strokes.

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Japan handed 3-0 win after North Korea called off World Cup qualifier

Japan has been awarded a 3-0 victory after North Korea called off a World Cup qualifier between the sides that was scheduled to be held in Pyongyang earlier this month, the Japan Football Association said Saturday.

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Collins beats Rybakina to win Miami Open

American Danielle Collins upset the odds to win the Miami Open title on Saturday, beating Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-3 to claim her first WTA 1000 title in her final season on the tour.

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Shohei Ohtani is home and focused on baseball. Dodgers fans are relieved.

The top deck of Dodger Stadium is far from the action but may have the best view in baseball. Straight ahead are the San Gabriel Mountains. During night games, as the sun goes down, the sky glows pink. Down below, the full choreography of the game is on display, offering a panoramic view shunned by the movie stars and moguls who fill the sections behind home plate.

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Nissan’s Rowland comes up just short in Formula E’s electric Tokyo debut

It was nearly a dream home race for Nissan and Oliver Rowland, who took second in the first Tokyo E-Prix on Saturday as Formula E made its long-awaited debut in Japan.

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Wrestlers from sumo's scandal-hit Miyagino stable to join Isegahama

The Japan Sumo Association on Thursday announced the closure of the scandal-hit Miyagino stable for the foreseeable future and the indefinite transfer of its wrestlers and elders to the Isegahama stable.

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'Sho-time' at last as Ohtani delights in Dodgers home debut

After flying 5,477 miles from Tokyo to Los Angeles to see Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani make his regular season home debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hiroaki Miyazaki had one request.

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Pacific League pennant set to be tight race as Buffaloes chase dynasty in 2024

The Orix Buffaloes have the makings of a Pacific League dynasty after winning three straight pennants.

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Red Sox sign Japanese pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa from Rays

The Boston Red Sox have acquired Japanese pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations, both teams announced Wednesday.

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DraftKings shares slump after NCAA proposes college prop bet ban

DraftKings shares tumbled on Wednesday after National Collegiate Athletic Association President Charlie Baker announced he is pushing to ban college proposition betting, a popular type of side wager that allows gamblers to bet on an event or statistical outcome that’s not directly tied to the final result of a game.

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Age won't determine when I retire, says Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi will not consider his age as a deciding factor in his retirement plans, the Argentine forward said, adding that he has no clear idea of what he will do when that time comes.

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Hachimura logs 16-point double-double as Lakers win in OT

Japanese forward Rui Hachimura had his first double-double of the NBA season Tuesday as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame a late-game deficit to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 128-124 in double overtime.

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Ten years from home World Cup, Saudi Arabia sizes up 'huge challenge'

A decade before it hosts the FIFA World Cup, the size of the task facing Saudi Arabia is becoming apparent, including building stadiums, hotels and transport links.

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MLB pulls plug on clubs' ties with NPB teams

Fretting over irregular contacts with overseas players, MLB has ordered its teams to suspend working agreements with NPB clubs, multiple sources from both leagues with knowledge of the matter said Tuesday.

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Mykhailo Mudryk sends war-torn Ukraine to Euro 2024

Ukraine qualified for Euro 2024 on Tuesday by beating Iceland 2-1 Tuesday, delivering an emotional boost to a country ravaged by war since the Russian invasion of February 2022.

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SoftBank lefty Moinelo set for hefty contract extension

Cuban left-handed pitcher Livan Moinelo has basically agreed to a contract extension with the SoftBank Hawks through 2028, a club official said Monday.

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Tominaga looks to NBA Draft and Olympics after NCAA exit

With the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's March Madness exit closing the curtain on his college basketball days, Keisei Tominaga is moving to the next phase of his career.

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In Russia, fingers point anywhere but at Islamic State group for concert hall attack

Bodies were recovered, flowers were laid and fingers were pointed Sunday as competing narratives took shape over who was behind the terrorist attack on a Russian concert hall where at least 137 people out to enjoy an evening of music were killed.

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Ohtani to speak Monday on allegations surrounding ex-interpreter

Shohei Ohtani remained mum on Sunday on the gambling and theft allegations surrounding his former interpreter, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he hoped Ohtani's plans to speak on Monday would bring "clarity."

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Sun returns to Miami as Swiatek dominates and Osaka earns big win

After two days of rain, the sun returned to the Miami Open on Saturday in a good omen for Iga Swiatek, who launched her bid to become just the second woman to win the "Sunshine Double" more than once with a breezy 6-1 6-1 win over Italy's Camila Giorgi.

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Daiya Seto qualifies for third Olympics with 200 IM victory at trials

Japanese swimmer Daiya Seto qualified for his third Olympics by winning the 200-meter individual medley at national trials on Saturday.

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Longtime Orioles owner Peter Angelos dies at 94

Longtime Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos died Saturday at the age of 94, the team announced.

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Max Verstappen continues pole perfection in Australia

Red Bull's Formula One world champion Max Verstappen took pole position for the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday with Carlos Sainz qualifying alongside him on the front row for Ferrari two weeks after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.

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Japan's Kaori Sakamoto first woman in 56 years to claim three-peat

Japan's Kaori Sakamoto retained the figure skating world title with a stellar performance in Montreal on Friday and became the first woman to win three straight crowns since American Peggy Fleming in 1968.

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MLB launches investigation of Ohtani and ex-interpreter scandal

Major League Baseball on Friday announced a formal investigation into the scandal swirling around Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter amid charges the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar was the victim of "massive theft."

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Nishikori defeated in comeback match at Miami Open

Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori's return to the ATP Tour after a lengthy injury absence ended in a first round 6-3, 6-4 loss to Sebastian Ofner.

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Dodgers shield Shohei Ohtani from media after interpreter fired

Dodgers public relations officials blocked media from asking Shohei Ohtani questions in South Korea on Thursday after the team fired his interpreter for an alleged connection to an illegal bookmaking operator.

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North Korea won't host World Cup qualifier against Japan: report

North Korea will not host a World Cup qualifier with Japan that was scheduled to be held in Pyongyang next week, Kyodo reported late Thursday, citing the president of the Japan Football Association.

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Yamamoto shelled in debut as Dodgers lose to Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers' new big-money signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto said he "felt responsible" after enduring an MLB debut to forget in a 15-11 loss to the San Diego Padres on Thursday.

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Tomiyasu signs long-term contract extension at Arsenal

Japan defender Takeshiro Tomiyasu has signed a long-term contract extension at Arsenal, the English Premier League leaders announced Wednesday, with local media reporting the deal runs until 2026 with an option for another year.

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Murray beats dizzy Berrettini as Osaka advances in Miami

Two-time Miami Open champion Andy Murray fought back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over struggling Italian Matteo Berrettini in the first round at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday, while Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round in a breezy two sets.

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Ohtani interpreter fired for alleged 'massive theft'

Ippei Mizuhara, the longtime interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday after wire transfers from Ohtani's bank account were sent to a Southern California bookmaking operation, according to multiple media reports.

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Japan warns football fans not to go to North Korea for World Cup qualifier

Japan has warned soccer fans not to attempt to travel to "hostile" North Korea for next week's men's World Cup qualifier in Pyongyang.

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Tennis rallies around Sabalenka at Miami Open after boyfriend's death

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka intends to play in the Miami Open this week, organizers said Tuesday, as fellow players offered their support following the death of her boyfriend in an apparent suicide.

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Russians and Belarusians will not take part in Paris Games opening parade

Russians and Belarusians will not take part in the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Tuesday.

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MLB exhibition attendance in Seoul remains low

Attendance remained low for the first three exhibition games in Seoul before the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres play the first-ever MLB regular-season games in South Korea later this week.

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Dodgers beat South Korean national team in exhibition finale

Max Muncy and Will Smith drove in two runs apiece, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win over South Korea's national team in the final exhibition game Monday.

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Swiatek crushes Sakkari to win second Indian Wells title

Iga Swiatek dominated Maria Sakkari to win the Indian Wells final 6-4 6-0 on Sunday and claim the title for a second time in the California desert.

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Dodgers trounce S. Korea's Kiwoom as Ohtani strikes out twice

The Los Angeles Dodgers pounded out 17 hits to beat South Korea's Kiwoom Heroes 14-3 in an exhibition game Sunday, ahead of the season-opening two-game series against the San Diego Padres.

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Sumo: Rookie Takerufuji keeps outright lead, claims winning record

Top-division debutant Takerufuji maintained the outright lead Sunday at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with an impressive victory over former komusubi Ryuden.

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Sakkari weathers Gauff storm to book Swiatek clash in Indian Wells final

Maria Sakkari endured a spirited fightback from Coco Gauff to stun the third seed 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2 in a rain-interrupted Indian Wells semifinal on Friday and set up an intriguing rematch of the 2022 title clash with Iga Swiatek.

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Terunofuji pulls out of Spring Basho over health issues

Injury-plagued yokozuna Terunofuji withdrew from the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday due to lower back pain and other health problems.

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Mbappe presence at Olympics 'very difficult,' says Deschamps

France soccer coach Didier Deschamps has cast doubt on Kylian Mbappe's chances of representing his country at this year's Paris Olympics, saying that it would be "very difficult" to compete at the Games straight after Euro 2024.

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Men's and women's tennis tours advance talks to merge commercial rights

The ATP Tour and WTA Tour are pushing ahead with efforts to merge the commercial and media rights of the men's and women's tennis tours, bringing in an external adviser to study options, three people familiar with the situation said.

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Ohtani releases photo with woman who appears to be his wife

The Los Angeles Dodgers posted a photo Friday on the team's official X social media account of star player Shohei Ohtani alongside a woman that appears to be his wife, with the two posing near an airplane before their departure for South Korea.

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Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto loses final spring training start

Yoshinobu Yamamoto gave up four runs on eight hits over 4⅔ innings to take a loss in his final spring training start as the Los Angeles Dodgers were beaten 8-1 by the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

from Sports - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/03/14/baseball/yamamoto-loses-final-start-spring/

Reports: White Sox trade Dylan Cease to Padres

The Chicago White Sox traded right-hander Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres for four players, according to multiple reports on Wednesday night.

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See-through baseball pants become eye-opening controversy for MLB

At the end of this month, Major League Baseball will officially commence its 2024 season, and with spring training already in full swing, the chatter among hardcore fans and casual observers has been unusually spirited. In theory, that would be great for MLB as it seeks to expand its reach amid a prolonged decline in the sport’s popularity and cultural cachet that was offset some with a series of popular rule changes last year.

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Former champions Al Hilal seal Asian Champions League semifinal spot

Al Hilal wrapped up a place in the Asian Champions League semifinals as a 2-0 win over fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City on Tuesday completed a 4-0 aggregate victory.

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Talks between PGA Tour and Saudi fund 'accelerating'

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan said Tuesday talks with the Saudi Arabian backers of LIV Golf were "accelerating" but was tight-lipped on how the proposed joint venture between the two bodies would work.

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Barcelona into Champions League last eight with 3-1 win over Napoli

Barcelona reached the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in four years after a thrilling 3-1 home win over Napoli in their last-16 second leg gave them a deserved 4-2 aggregate victory on Tuesday.

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Japan-North Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, says JFA

Japan's World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned later this month, the Japan Football Association said it had been told on Monday.

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'Japanese Steph Curry' Keisei Tominaga shoots for stars and NBA with Nebraska

Early in the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans last season, Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Keisei Tominga brought the home crowd in Lincoln, Nebraska, to its feet.

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Premier League rivalry between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola ends on high note

The curtain came down on one of the greatest Premier League managerial rivalries as Juergen Klopp and Pep Guardiola hugged heartily after their sides had slugged each other to a standstill at Anfield on Sunday.

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Sprint queen Miho Takagi pulls out of all-round championship at worlds

A day after clinching her second career world speed skating sprint championship, Miho Takagi withdrew from her bid for a second all-round championship on Saturday.

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Verstappen continues winning streak in Saudi Arabia

Max Verstappen won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from pole position on Saturday as Red Bull continued their dominant start to the Formula One season with a second one-two in as many races.

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J1 debutants Machida see off Kashima for first home win

J. League first-division debutants Machida Zelvia continued their excellent start to the season, beating Kashima Antlers 1-0 for their first home J1 win Saturday.

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Naomi Osaka off to winning start at Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka powered through on a third match point to advance to the second round of the ATP-WTA BNP Paribas Open with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Italian qualifier Sara Errani on Thursday

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Boxing great Mike Tyson to face Jake Paul in exhibition

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will return to the ring to face Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an exhibition bout screened on Netflix, organizers announced on Thursday.

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Red Bull suspends woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior

Red Bull has suspended the female employee who accused team boss Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior, a source close to the investigation into the matter confirmed on Thursday.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto has shaky outing in second spring start for Dodgers

Yoshinobu Yamamoto yielded five runs in a wild three-inning spring training outing as the Los Angeles Dodgers won 12-9 against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

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'Sporting geniuses are made, not born': How to be an all-star sports parent

If you want your child to be a superstar athlete like Shohei Ohtani, a good place to start is to take a look at what his parents did, consciously and unconsciously, to help an ordinary boy become baseball’s biggest attraction.

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Baseball United to bring professional baseball to Saudi Arabia

Baseball United has signed an agreement that gives it an unlimited term to host its professional league and tournaments in Saudi Arabia, a source close to the matter said Tuesday.

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Mbappe double fires PSG past Real Sociedad to Champions League quarters

Kylian Mbappe fired Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League quarterfinals with a brace in a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad on Tuesday, with his team cruising through 4-1 on aggregate.

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Djokovic returns as Gauff hopes for a U.S. win at Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic returns to Indian Wells for the first time in five years seeking a record sixth title while Coco Gauff looks to become the first U.S. woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2001 when main-draw action begins on Wednesday.

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FIA chief faces allegation of interference at 2023 Saudi Grand Prix

The head of Formula One's governing body, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is under investigation for allegedly interfering in the outcome of last year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the BBC reported on Monday.

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Ski jumper Kasai earns first World Cup point overseas in five seasons

Japan's Noriaki Kasai finished 28th at a ski jumping World Cup event in Finland on Sunday, earning his first tournament point in five seasons at an overseas meet.

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Osako vows to run in men's marathon at Paris Olympics

Two-time Olympian Suguru Osako said Monday he "plans to" represent Japan in the men's marathon at the Paris Olympics, having been coy over his participation.

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Abe outgunned in IBF featherweight title shot against Lopez

Japanese boxer Reiya Abe fell short in his bid to unseat Mexico's Luis Alberto Lopez as IBF world featherweight champion on Saturday, losing a one-sided bout via eighth-round technical knockout.

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Alaska's 52nd annual Iditarod sled dog race mushes to starting line

The world's most famous sled-dog race got underway on Saturday when 38 mushers and their canine teams, one of the smallest rosters of competitors ever, lined up in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, to start the 52nd annual running of the Iditarod.

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Verstappen cruises to 'unbelievable' Red Bull one-two in Bahrain

Three-time world champion Max Verstappen began his title defense in flawless fashion on Saturday at the Bahrain Grand Prix when he guided his Red Bull team to a crushing one-two triumph.

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Defending champions Vissel Kobe suffer late 1-0 defeat to Kashiwa

Reigning champions Vissel Kobe were dealt an early setback to their J. League first-division title defense on Saturday, going down 1-0 at home against Kashiwa Reysol.

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Mao Shimada wins back-to-back junior world titles

Mao Shimada captured gold for the second year in a row at the women's junior figure skating world championships on Friday, becoming Japan's first figure skater to win back-to-back titles in any junior division.

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Juergen Klopp says Liverpool's young players must be given time to grow

Liverpool fans and the media must avoid sensationalizing the Premier League club's young players and give them the time they need to grow and learn, manager Juergen Klopp said.

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Record-setting Iowa star Caitlin Clark to enter WNBA draft

Caitlin Clark, the all-time NCAA women's college basketball scoring leader, announced on Thursday that she will enter the WNBA draft following this season.

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Manchester United's Marcus Rashford asks critics to have 'more humanity'

Marcus Rashford says he can take "any headline" but asked his critics to show a "bit more humanity" before they question his commitment to Manchester United and his love of soccer.

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Shohei Ohtani reveals few details about wife after surprise marriage announcement

Shohei Ohtani kept details about his wife to a minimum on Thursday, when the Los Angeles Dodgers' famously private superstar met with the media for the first time since his surprise marriage announcement late Wednesday night.

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag slams Forest for 'targeting' Bruno Fernandes

Erik ten Hag accused Nottingham Forest of deliberately targeting Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United's FA Cup fifth-round win on Wednesday as he slammed "pathetic" criticism of the midfielder.

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Daizen Maeda scores in Celtic's rout of Dundee

Japan forward Daizen Maeda scored his fourth goal of the season in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday as Celtic trounced Dundee 7-1 at home.

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Red Bull boss Christian Horner cleared of inappropriate behavior

Red Bull chief Christian Horner was cleared of wrongdoing on Wednesday following an investigation into complaints of inappropriate behavior made against him by a female team member.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto dazzles in spring training debut with Dodgers

Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out three over two scoreless innings in a dazzling spring training debut on Wednesday for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are banking on the 25-year-old star becoming an ace in MLB.

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Stephen Curry is battling the clock to win over sneaker fans

Time is running out for Stephen Curry.

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Djokovic thrilled to return to Indian Wells after five-year hiatus

Novak Djokovic said Tuesday he is excited to be back in Indian Wells to compete at the BNP Paribas Open for the first time since 2019 after U.S. travel restrictions related to COVID-19 had kept him away.

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Shotime arrives for Dodgers as Ohtani homers in preseason debut

Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani made an impressive Los Angeles Dodgers debut on Tuesday, smashing a two-run homer in his new club's preseason contest against the Chicago White Sox.

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Brighton's Mitoma set to miss rest of season with injury

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma will miss the rest of the season due to a back injury, manager Roberto De Zerbi announced on Tuesday.

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Tough domestic league behind N. Korea's soccer success

North Korean soccer has been competitive in international play despite having fewer chances to face other national sides due to limited diplomatic ties.

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Former Samurai Blue striker Shinji Okazaki set to retire

Former Japan striker Shinji Okazaki, whose 50 international goals are the third-most in Samurai Blue history, will retire at the end of this season, a source familiar with the matter said Monday.

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Daniel Ricciardo happy to embrace Visa Cash App RB's new identity

Daniel Ricciardo will not be cutting any corners in saying his Red Bull-owned Formula One team's new name, even if Visa Cash App RB hardly rolls off the tongue.

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Liverpool's fearless youngsters topple Chelsea to win League Cup

The old saying that you can't win anything with kids was thrown out of the window on Sunday as Juergen Klopp put his trust in a host of youngsters who repaid his faith as Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 after extra time to lift the League Cup.

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Nakatani TKOs Santiago to become three-division world champ

Japanese boxer Junto Nakatani became a three-division world champion Saturday by claiming the WBC bantamweight crown with a sixth-round stoppage of Mexico's Alexandro Santiago.

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Nadeshiko Japan and North Korea draw first leg of final Olympic qualifier

Japan and North Korea remained on level terms in their final qualifier for the Paris Olympic women's football tournament following a scoreless draw in the opening leg Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

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Marathon debutant Hirabayashi claims surprise Osaka win

Kokugakuin University's Kiyoto Hirabayashi won the Osaka Marathon in his marathon debut Sunday with the seventh-fastest time ever for a Japanese runner.

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Brave Lupus handcuff Eagles to extend unbeaten run to seven games

Brave Lupus Tokyo continued their unbeaten start to the Japan Rugby League One season Saturday as they downed Yokohama Eagles 27-7 with a stifling defensive performance.

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Title holders Kobe down Iwata to make winning start to J1 season

Reigning top-division champions Vissel Kobe began the new J. League season with a comfortable win Saturday as they saw off promoted Jubilo Iwata 2-0.

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Padres star pitcher Darvish aims to be ready for series in Seoul

Star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, battling back from an injury that cut short his 2023 MLB campaign, plans to be ready for San Diego's season-opening series in Seoul next month.

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Former Seibu slugger David MacKinnon embraces new challenge with South Korea's Lions

If someone had asked David MacKinnon early in the offseason about what he thought spring training would be like in 2024, he might have guessed that he would be in Japan preparing for another season in Asia with the Lions.

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Japanese women secure medal in team event at table tennis world championships

Japan defeated Romania 3-0 to reach the women's semifinals at the world team table tennis championships Thursday, while Japan's men's team lost 3-0 against China in the quarterfinals.

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Jamie George to captain England with heavy heart after mother's death

Jamie George learned his rugby-fanatic mother, Jane, had contracted lung cancer the same day he was appointed England captain and said he wanted to beat Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday in her memory after she died at the age of 68 last week.

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The J. League is back with a top flight that's bigger than ever

The J. League returns on Friday, and the top of the pyramid is set to be — quite literally — bigger than ever in 2024.

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Sumo great Hakuho facing demotion over protege's alleged bullying

Record-setting former yokozuna Hakuho will likely be demoted and fined by the Japan Sumo Association over reports of repeated violence by his 22-year-old protege, Hokuseiho, a JSA source said Wednesday.

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Top pick Wembanyama, Magic's Banchero in NBA Rising Stars event

Top NBA Draft pick Victor Wembanyama and 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero are among the players named Tuesday to compete in next month's NBA Rising Stars tournament.

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Moriyasu, Endo calmly confident ahead of Asian Cup knockouts

Manager Hajime Moriyasu and captain Wataru Endo said Japan are gearing up nicely ahead of Wednesday's Asian Cup round-of-16 clash with Bahrain in Qatar, where the tournament's most successful nation is seeking its fifth championship.

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Inoue says fighting at Tokyo Dome would be extra motivation

Undisputed world super bantamweight boxing champion Naoya Inoue said Monday he would be even more motivated if he could fight at Tokyo Dome.

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Qatar ends Palestine run, Jordan stuns Iraq with Asian Cup late show

Host and holder Qatar fought back to defeat Palestine 2-1 and reach the Asian Cup quarterfinals on Monday, joining a Jordan side that struck twice in injury time to stun Iraq.

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Former Irish player Hugo MacNeill says it will be tough to replace Johnny Sexton

Ireland's hopes of successfully defending its Six Nations title hinges on filling the "massive gap" left by Johnny Sexton's decision to retire after the nation's World Cup quarterfinal loss to New Zealand, former Irish fullback Hugo MacNeill said.

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Jannik Sinner ready to dance in 'pressure storm' after winning Australian Open

A composed Jannik Sinner is ready for what comes next after winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, saying he likes to "dance in the pressure storm."

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Defending champion Chiefs stun Ravens to reach Super Bowl

The reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs upset the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens 17-10 to reach the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years on Sunday.

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Ohtani receives AL MVP at writers' association dinner

Shohei Ohtani received his American League MVP award Saturday at the Baseball Writers' Association of America dinner in New York, where he gave a rare speech in English to express his thanks.

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Russian skater Valieva's future rests on sports court's decision

The future of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, whose positive doping test ignited a scandal at the 2022 Winter Olympics, should become clearer in the coming days, as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to hand down its verdict.

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Marines and ace Sasaki deny discord over MLB ambitions

Chiba Lotte Marines flamethrower Roki Sasaki said Saturday he has expressed his desire to play in Major League Baseball since joining the Pacific League club, while both sides denied that ambition delayed the signing of his 2024 contract.

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Japan's Rei Sakamoto wins junior Australian Open title

Japan's Rei Sakamoto, 17, became just the second Japanese player to win a junior boys' Grand Slam singles title on Saturday, topping Jan Kumstat of the Czech Republic in a tight three-set Australian Open final.

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Bahrain manager Juan Antonio Pizzi confident ahead of clash against Japan

Bahrain has "high morale" heading into its last-16 clash against Japan at the Asian Cup in Qatar, manager Juan Antonio Pizzi said Thursday.

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Aryna Sabalenka looking to lean on experience in Australian Open final

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is confident she will have an emotional edge over Zheng Qinwen in Saturday's Australian Open final, but the fast-rising Chinese star believes destiny is on her side.

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Brave Blossoms to face England at Twickenham in November

Japan's Brave Blossoms will play a test against England in November at Twickenham Stadium, both nations' rugby football unions announced Thursday.

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Japan to face Bahrain in Asian Cup Round of 16

Japan, which finished second in Asian Cup Group D, will enter the knockout phase against Bahrain, which finished in first place in Group E after a 1-0 win over Jordan on Thursday.

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Former IOC exec says Paris has chance to reignite Olympic golden age

The Paris Games have a chance to "kickstart a resurgence of the Olympic brand" after two editions marred by COVID-19 and the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, which has been tarnished by a doping scandal, former International Olympic Committee marketing executive Terrence Burns said.

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JFA condemns online abuse of Japan goalkeeper keeper Zion Suzuki

Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima on Wednesday condemned online abuse directed at Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki while he has been playing at the Asian Cup in Qatar.

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Alexander Zverev stuns Carlos Alcaraz to reach Australian Open semifinals

Alexander Zverev snuffed out a thrilling Carlos Alcaraz comeback early Thursday to set up an Australian Open semifinal against Daniil Medvedev.

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Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton named to Baseball Hall of Fame

Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton became the newest members of the Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, when results of the balloting conducted by voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America were announced by President Josh Rawitch at the plaque gallery inside the museum in Cooperstown, New York.

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Teraji retains WBA and WBC titles as Akui becomes new champion

Kenshiro Teraji barely retained his WBA and WBC light flyweight titles Tuesday, while fellow Japanese boxer Seigo Yuri Akui took the WBA flyweight belt from his previously undefeated Ukrainian opponent.

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Palestine 'fulfills promise' after historic Asian Cup win

Palestine's captain said his team had fulfilled "a promise to the Palestinian people" after reaching the Asian Cup knockout rounds for the first time on Tuesday.

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Japan goalkeeper racially abused online after Asian Cup errors

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki said Monday that he was racially abused on social media following his team's shock defeat to Iraq at the Asian Cup.

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Miho Takagi skates to victory in 1,000-meter race to claim another gold

Olympic champion Miho Takagi added the women's 1,000 meters to her gold medal haul at the Four Continents Speed Skating Championships on Sunday.

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Dayana Yastremska upsets Victoria Azarenka to reach quaterfinals

Fearless Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska surged into her first Grand Slam quarterfinal by stunning two-time champion Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open on Monday.

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Australian swimming star Mack Horton retires ahead of Olympics

Australian swimmer Mack Horton, a fierce anti-doping campaigner, called time on his career on Sunday just months ahead of the Paris Olympics.

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Rougned Odor signs deal with Yomiuri Giants, report says

After playing in the National League for the first time last season, veteran infielder Rougned Odor is set for more change after signing a contract with the Central League's Yomiuri Giants, Hochi Sports reported.

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Awesome Alcaraz reaches second week at Melbourne for first time

Carlos Alcaraz eased into the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time on Saturday after Chinese wildcard Shang Juncheng retired hurt while trailing their uneven contest 6-1, 6-1, 1-0.

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Japan, Brazil and Canada to feature in SheBelieves Cup in U.S.

Japan, Brazil and Canada will travel to the United States in April for the SheBelieves Cup, the annual women's tournament, the U.S. soccer association announced on Friday.

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Protesting police highlight strike risk to Paris Olympics

Hundreds of police officers protested across France on Thursday to demand extra pay during this year's Paris Olympics, highlighting the potential threat of strikes disrupting the Games.

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Palestine set hearts on Asian Cup 'history' after UAE draw

Makram Daboub told his Palestine team to make "history" by reaching the Asian Cup knockout stage for the first time following a 1-1 draw with 10-man United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

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The rise of the NFL’s 2-point conversion

The NFL playoffs have already delivered high-stakes moments around a simple decision: After a touchdown, should your team kick for 1 point, or go for 2?

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Novak Djokovic details 15-year 'special relationship' with Melbourne tree

Novak Djokovic has long credited a series of unusual methods for helping him become one of the greatest players ever, including his "special relationship" with a Melbourne tree over the past 15 years.

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Warriors assistant Dejan Milojevic dies at 46 after heart attack

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died at age 46 after suffering a heart attack at a team dinner in Salt Lake City, the team said on Wednesday.

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South Korea's Lee Kang-in reaching new heights under Jurgen Klinsmann

Lee Kang-in has been called "a joy" and "a flower" by South Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his performance in the team's Asian Cup opener showed why the German is so smitten.

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Schoolgirl Andreeva living the dream after thrashing Jabeur at Australian Open

Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva put her school work to one side Wednesday and instead underlined her huge potential by crushing sixth seed Ons Jabeur in under an hour at the Australian Open.

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Teenager Andreeva shocks Jabeur in Australian Open second round

Ons Jabeur suffered a stunning 6-0, 6-2 loss to Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday as the sixth seed's bid to become the first Arab and African woman to win a Grand Slam title lay in tatters.

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VAR confusion as Saudi Arabia roars back to beat Oman at Asian Cup

Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia fought back to defeat Oman 2-1 in the dying seconds at the Asian Cup on Tuesday, but only after some confusion with the video assistant referee (VAR).

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Komusubi Takayasu withdraws from New Year meet

Komusubi Takayasu pulled out of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday after two days of action at the 15-day meet.

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Jones reveals vision of 'super-fast rugby' taking Japan to top

Japan head coach Eddie Jones on Monday outlined a vision of "super-fast rugby" that he believes can turn the Brave Blossoms into one of the world's top teams.

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WTA and ATP Tours embarking on year of formative changes

Steve Simon was feeling optimistic.

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Ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi soars to first World Cup win of season

Ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi notched his 31st career win on the World Cup circuit and first of the season in Wisla, Poland, on Sunday.

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Naomi Osaka's return set to headline Day 2 at Australian Open

Naomi Osaka is scheduled to make her comeback to Grand Slam tennis on Day 2 of the Australian Open on Monday, while Daniil Medvedev has vowed to turn over a new leaf and be "more mature" on the court.

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Ito leaps to second ski jumping World Cup win of season

Japanese ski jumper Yuki Ito on Sunday picked up her ninth career World Cup win and first victory since the season opener.

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Chiefs shut down Dolphins in frigid AFC wild-card game

Rashee Rice caught eight passes for 130 yards and a touchdown, Harrison Butker kicked four field goals and the host Kansas City Chiefs overcame frigid conditions to post a 26-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins in the AFC wild-card round on Saturday night.

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C.J. Stroud makes history as Texans win wild-card game over Browns

C.J. Stroud threw for three touchdowns, Steven Nelson and Christian Harris each had a pick-6 and the host Houston Texans rolled to a 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday in the AFC wild-card round.

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Australia outmuscles India with 2-0 win in Asian Cup

A physical Australia side dominated India to win their Asian Cup Group B opener 2-0 in front of a crowd largely made up of Indian fans at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar on Saturday.

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Ex-Barcelona junior Kubo set for lift-off with Japan at Asian Cup

Takefusa Kubo was tipped for stardom after joining Barcelona's academy at age 10 and the Japanese attacking midfielder now looks poised to realize his potential by taking the Asian Cup by storm.

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Japan's 'Throwing Philosopher' Imanaga excited to join the Cubs

Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga said Friday he is confident he can handle the challenge of Major League Baseball after signing a four-year deal worth $53 million with the Chicago Cubs.

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Qatar puts World Cup heartache behind it to win Asian Cup opener

Two-goal Akram Afif said Qatar had "forgotten about the World Cup" after the team got its Asian Cup campaign off to a winning start in the tournament's opening game on Friday.

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How Belichick helped the Patriots go from laughingstock to economic powerhouse

It’s hard to imagine now, after six Super Bowl titles and two decades atop the NFL, but for most of their existence the New England Patriots were awful.

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Why Bill Belichick fit in so well, for so long, in New England

It is hard to make an impression, and even harder to make history in a place as old and momentous as New England. The measuring stick is so high.

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Osaka given tough assignment against Garcia in Grand Slam return

Novak Djokovic will begin his quest for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam crown overall against a qualifier, while Naomi Osaka was handed a tough first assignment and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek faces a tricky test against 2020 champion Sofia Kenin as the draw was announced Thursday.

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Samurai Blue the favorites as Asian Cup kicks off

The Asian Cup begins on Friday with defending champions Qatar as the hosts, Japan as the favorites and Son Heung-min's South Korea vowing to win the title for the first time in 64 years.

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Paris Olympics chief insists River Seine will host opening ceremony

The chief organizer of the 2024 Paris Olympics insisted Wednesday there were no plans to move the opening ceremony of the Games from the River Seine amid ongoing speculation about the hugely ambitious water-based show.

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Tokyo native Komatsu takes over as Haas F1 boss after Steiner's departure

After a little over two decades in Formula One, Japanese engineer Ayao Komatsu will now get a chance to run his own team.

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Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga signing with Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a deal with Japanese left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga, USA Today and MLB Network reported Tuesday.

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Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga signing with Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a deal with Japanese left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga, USA Today and MLB Network reported Tuesday.

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German football mourns 'sublime' Beckenbauer

Germany united to mourn the death of Franz Beckenbauer on Monday, with figures from across the sporting and political landscape bidding farewell to the "Kaiser."

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Ruthless Rybakina and Dimitrov take Brisbane titles

Elena Rybakina handed Aryna Sabalenka a harsh reality check on Sunday ahead of her Australian Open title defense with a crushing 6-0 6-3 victory in the final of the Brisbane International.

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Brave Lupus grind out 24-20 victory over Kubota Spears

Brave Lupus Tokyo withstood a late fightback from reigning Japan Rugby League One champions Kubota Spears for a 24-20 victory on Sunday.

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Nadal to skip Australian Open due to muscle injury

Rafael Nadal will miss the Australian Open this month after the Spaniard suffered a small muscle tear during his comeback from a long injury layoff at the Brisbane International last week, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said on Sunday.

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Stars of African soccer descend on Ivory Coast for Cup of Nations

Sadio Mane's Senegal team is aiming to retain its title and Mohamed Salah is chasing a first trophy with Egypt at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in Cote d'Ivoire on Jan. 13.

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Japan's Kobayashi clinches third Four Hills ski jump crown

Japan's Ryoyu Kobayashi on Saturday became only the sixth man to win the prestigious Four Hills ski jumping tournament on three occasions.

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Entertainer Warner bows out of cricket test game a winner

Australia opener David Warner said he hoped to be remembered as an entertainer after retiring from cricket's longest format at his home ground in the wake of a third test victory over Pakistan on Saturday.

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Victor Wembanyama sets course to become a basketball billionaire unlike any other

Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama could become the first professional basketball player to earn $1 billion on the court.

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Five NFL playoff berths at stake in season's last weekend

Five playoff berths are up for grabs as the NFL season concludes this weekend with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans among those chasing places in the postseason title hunt.

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Disconnect growing between Lakers and coach Darvin Ham

Still unable to emerge from a funk that is bordering on a month, there is now "a growing disconnect" between Los Angeles Lakers players and head coach Darvin Ham, The Athletic reported Thursday.

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Samurai Blue call on Mitoma to help erase Asian Cup 'frustration'

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was named to Japan's Asian Cup squad despite an ankle injury, as coach Hajime Moriyasu looks to erase the "frustration" of their 2019 final defeat.

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Pliskova rallies to oust Osaka in Brisbane

Karolina Pliskova gave Naomi Osaka a reality check on her return to tournament tennis by rallying for a 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 victory in a high quality second-round clash at the Brisbane International on Wednesday.

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Opportunities abound for sumo's governing body as centenary nears

The second Sunday in January is the normal starting point for the opening Grand Sumo Tournament each year.

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Nadal happy to win in return but says confidence still recovering

Rafael Nadal was elated to return to professional tennis on Tuesday after nearly a year on the sidelines but the Spaniard said recovering his confidence and natural movements on the court would take time.

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Aoyama Gakuin University takes lead on day one of Hakone ekiden

Aoyama Gakuin University took a first-day lead of 2 minutes, 38 seconds over defending champion Komazawa University on Tuesday in the annual two-day Tokyo-Hakone collegiate ekiden road relay.

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